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Hydrolysis and precipitation of polyacrylamides in hard brines at elevated temperatures

Journal Article · · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/13033-PA· OSTI ID:6591688
Laboratory data are used to show that commercial polyacrylamides hydrolyze to an equilibrium degree that depends on the temperature of hydrolysis but is largely independent of the brine composition. At greater than 20 ppm hardness levels, polyacrylamide solutions pass through a sharp cloud point as their temperature is raised. This cloud-point temperature depends primarily on the hardness level of the brine and the degree of hydrolysis of the polymer, with lesser dependency on polymer molecular weight and polymer concentration. Indications are that these cloudy solutions cause plugging of porous media. Therefore, a polymer solution is potentially useful only below its cloud-point temperature. For application in a given reservoir, the temperature and frequently the hardness of the water are fixed. If a polyacrylamide hydrolyzes at reservoir conditions to where its cloud point in the field water falls below the reservoir temperature, it is not suitable for polymer flooding in that reservoir.
Research Organization:
Phillips Petroleum Co.
OSTI ID:
6591688
Journal Information:
SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reserv. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 2:2; ISSN SREEE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English